Revenue Task Force to address accurate Tax Invoices on imported goods

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 January 2026 – A special taskforce has been established to address the longstanding issue of inaccurate imported goods invoices used to calculate import duties and taxes paid by local businesses/suppliers.

The taskforce is led by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and include the Minister of Finance, Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Customs.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the Government to assess the correct taxes applied saying the issue faced by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue is not new.

Some retailers are complaining that the only reason why two separate stores can sell the same product at very different prices is because the suppliers’ invoice has been manipulated and the local suppliers is paying very low or no tax at all.

The Prime Minister said that if there is a huge difference in the amount of import taxes and duties paid by companies, then it indicates the playing field is not levelled for a fair competition.

The taskforce first meeting is this week and relies on the assessment of Customs Inspectors who are allocated to inspect businesses containers on the field.

The taskforce role is to assess and confirm that all invoices are correct and ensure that the Government collects the accurate duties and tax fees due from all imported goods.

The Prime Minister said taxes and duties collected from imported goods is one vital revenue streams the Government relies on for development support but it seems there are businesses who are avoiding the proper amount of tax they need to pay.

The Government is also monitoring the fast pace some new businesses are growing and expanding.

“Some of these businesses are not only growing but expanding fast but their taxes and duties paid do not seem to fit the equation,” said the Prime Minister.

Several local businesses have approached and complained to the Government over such issues and the Government has taken the lead in ensuring a level playing field for all.